It’s always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.

The secret is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

By trying a few of these schedules, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Here are some ways your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to appreciate the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for when you’re in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you’ll keep cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Away

If you’re setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it’s extremely common to move the thermostat higher than normal.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, you can set the temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home and then lower it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning system isn’t working around the clock to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Asleep

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and home environment. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when no one is around. With reliable brands like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Rio Grande Valley home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures whether you’re at home or across the country.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system saves money right from the start. With greater energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Rio Grande Valley is a breeze for experienced professionals like Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C..
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Rio Grande Valley can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system’s air filter saves money by improving airflow. When filters are old and less effective, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside during the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Review your air ducts: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can potentially allow harmful emissions from your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances throughout your home. Checking your ductwork for leaks and sealing them can fix both of those problems.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little cooler on hot summer days. Don’t forget to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.